Dexter Scott King: A Legacy of Civil Rights and Family

A Son’s Journey Through Activism, Legacy, and Love

On January 22, 2024, the world lost a pillar of the civil rights movement and a steadfast guardian of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy: Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of the iconic civil rights leaders. At the age of 62, Dexter succumbed to a valiant battle with prostate cancer, leaving an indelible mark on the pursuit of equality and justice.

Growing Up in the Heart of the Civil Rights Movement

Born on January 30, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dexter Scott King was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate. Growing up as the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King, Dexter witnessed firsthand the transformative power of nonviolent activism and the unwavering determination of his parents.

At the tender age of seven, Dexter experienced the profound loss of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. This tragic event left an enduring imprint on Dexter’s life, shaping his unwavering commitment to carrying forward his father’s legacy and the fight for racial justice.

Perpetuating the King Legacy

Dexter Scott King dedicated his life to preserving the legacy of his parents and safeguarding their intellectual property. As Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate, Dexter assumed the responsibility of managing and licensing his father’s intellectual property, ensuring its enduring impact on generations to come.

With a keen understanding of intellectual property law and a deep devotion to his family’s mission, Dexter tirelessly worked to protect Dr. King’s work, ensuring that his message of love, equality, and nonviolence continued to resonate worldwide.

A Multifaceted Life: From Acting to Family

Beyond his dedication to the King legacy, Dexter Scott King pursued a diverse range of interests and passions. His love for the creative arts led him to relocate to California, where he briefly pursued a career in acting. However, his sense of duty to his family and the King legacy ultimately brought him back to Atlanta, where he balanced his artistic pursuits with his responsibilities to his family’s mission.

In July 2013, Dexter found love and companionship in his wife, Leah Weber, a New Orleans native, former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant. Together, they built a life filled with love, support, and unconditional affection, mirroring the bond shared by Dexter’s parents.

A Family’s Loss, a Nation’s Mourning

Dexter Scott King’s passing is a profound loss for the King family, the civil rights community, and the nation as a whole. His sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this very difficult time.”

Dexter’s brother, Martin Luther King, III, added, “The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family.”

Tributes and Remembrances

The news of Dexter Scott King’s passing elicited an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from across the globe. Friends, colleagues, and admirers took to social media and public platforms to express their condolences and share their memories of Dexter’s unwavering commitment to justice, his warm personality, and his dedication to his family.

Atlanta City Council member Michael Julian Bond, who grew up with Dexter, recalled their childhood days playing together in the neighborhood. He described Dexter as a “great guy, a warm personality,” who brought joy and laughter to those around him.

Others, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the Atlanta City Council, the Georgia NAACP and Atlanta NAACP, and Rep. Carl Gillard, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, expressed their profound sadness and extended their condolences to the King family. They acknowledged Dexter’s significant contributions to the civil rights movement and his role in advancing equality and justice.

A Legacy that Lives On

Dexter Scott King’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His unwavering dedication to his family’s mission, his passion for social justice, and his commitment to intellectual property law have left an indelible mark on the world.

His life serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, the importance of family and community, and the enduring power of love and nonviolence. Dexter Scott King’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding them of the transformative power of one individual’s dedication to a cause greater than themselves.

Additional Information:

• A memorial service for Dexter Scott King will be announced at a later time.
• The King family requests privacy at this time and will respond to media inquiries following a press conference planned for Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m., at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre inside Freedom Hall.
• For more information about Dexter Scott King and his contributions to the civil rights movement, please visit The King Center’s website at www.thekingcenter.org.